“I don’t believe the majority of people will vote because of the debates, because of Spinumviva [the company founded by the Prime Minister and PSD leader, now passed to his children], or even because of the electoral programs,” Marques Mendes stated.
Speaking to journalists during a visit to the Ovibeja agricultural fair in Beja, Marques Mendes acknowledged that these factors would have “an influence” on voter decisions but emphasized that most people “will vote primarily thinking about stability.”
“People are afraid that, a year from now, there might be yet another crisis, more debates, and early elections, and that is not good for the country. They will vote, on one side or the other, considering stability and the assurance of stability,” he stressed.
The presidential candidate advised political parties to focus on addressing topics like stability without being patronizing, aiming to reduce voter abstention by discussing “the issues that concern people, such as health, housing, or the cost of living.”
When asked by the journalists whether the topics he mentioned are of interest to voters, Marques Mendes admitted that election campaigns “always have excesses,” referring to these as typical occurrences during such periods.
“I don’t want to criticize anyone. I want to speak positively, and this advice I’m giving comes from a positive standpoint. It’s constructive. Talk about the issues that matter to people,” he reiterated.
When questioned about the energy blackout on Monday, the presidential candidate commented that, compared to Spain, “the balance in Portugal is very positive.”
However, he noted that “not everything went well, of course, there were also failures, one only needs to think of SIRESP, a nightmare, always full of flaws,” highlighting the necessity of addressing these issues in the future.
Regarding the announcement of 4,574 foreign citizens being notified to leave the country, Marques Mendes praised the government for allegedly shifting its policy, leading to “more regulated and controlled immigration.”
“Legal immigrants should remain in Portugal and contribute to the national economy and the country,” he noted, while those who are undocumented or have legal issues “must be invited to leave” the country.
Marques Mendes also expressed appreciation for what he perceived as a change in stance by the PS, remarking that “this matter between the government and the main opposition party is more consensual.”
“This is beneficial for the country because we need immigrants, those who are here legally, especially as we are losing population, need employment, and this topic should not become a political battleground,” he added.
While visiting Ovibeja, Marques Mendes encountered President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, who was also attending the event. They exchanged greetings with a hug and engaged in a brief conversation.
